Manufacturing Associate IV

Summary

The Manufacturing Associate IV is responsible for the safe, independent setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment used in the production of carbide and super abrasive products. This role serves as a technical resource within the department by leading safety and continuous improvement initiatives, training team members, supporting quality and production goals, and ensuring equipment reliability, inventory accuracy, and compliance with established manufacturing processes and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead team initiatives to identify and resolve safety issues.
• Proactive involvement in developing LEAN solutions throughout manufacturing.
• Independent, safe, responsible operation of all the equipment necessary for the production of super abrasives and related products within specified work assignment.
• Perform all major tooling or carbide changes as required and troubleshoot and make necessary adjustments to the equipment or process as required.
• Skilled machinist capable of setup, troubleshooting, and changeover of all equipment within area of responsibility.  Guides others in these activities.
• Operate and interpret results from measuring tools, gauges, scales, microscopes, go/no go gauges, and visual standards.
• Operate automated machinery, presses, lathes, mills, furnaces, wire EDMs, and robotic equipment.
• Operate chemical processing equipment and handle hazardous chemicals.
• Perform hand assemblies of product, blends, sieved material, and other as required.
• Facilitate and ensure resolution of facility, equipment, PM or process issues. Guides others in these activities.
• Complete ownership for housekeeping in assigned work area.
• Coordinate and perform training of others with respect to the safe and responsible operation of assigned manufacturing equipment mentioned above.
• Adhere to, provide input to, and edit documented work instructions: PPF, POCI, EOI, JSA, assembly prints, and other as needed.
• Conduct process and product quality audits as necessary. Communicate quality concerns to relevant technical support personnel.
• Collaborate with all levels of manufacturing associates to ensure all external and internal production demands are satisfied.
• Monitor and coordinate replenishment of appropriate raw material and WIP levels for area of responsibility.
• Performs other tasks and duties as needed to support departmental operations.
• Ensure accurate electronic updates of inventory and work order transactions.
• Communication with Manager and Supervisor on shift activities and events

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating industrial or military mechanical equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work independently.

Technical Skills/Physical Requirements

• Ability to use production management tools including LEAN, material management systems, and maintenance of accurate throughput and quality records.
• Relevant experience operating industrial or military mechanical equipment.
• Ability to comprehend and apply training to operate manufacturing production equipment listed above.
• Ability to effectively balance priorities and multiple tasks to achieve overall production goals.
• Must be available to work overtime during periods of high order volume.
• High degree of computer competency (Spreadsheets, Email, Material Management Systems, etc) 
• Manual dexterity required to accurately handle and position parts. 
• Walking and standing on the shop floor for extended periods throughout the day. 
• Lifting and transport of materials (20-40 lbs).
• Requires  annual medical screening clearance for required PPE